A weighing assembly having first and second shelf brackets supporting first and second planar load cell assemblies, each planar load cell assembly having at least one load cell arrangement disposed on a metal load cell body, each load cell arrangement including first and second contiguous cutout windows passing through the load cell body, a pair of measuring beams disposed along opposite edges of the load cell body, a first flexure arrangement having a first pair of flexure beams, a loading element comprising a receiving element and extending from an innermost flexure base, and at least one strain gage, fixedly attached to a surface of the measuring beam.
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4. The weighing assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one strain-sensing gage is associated with a processing unit configured to receive strain signals therefrom, and to produce a weight indication based on said strain signals.
A weighing assembly is designed for measuring the weight of an object by detecting strain in a load-bearing structure. The assembly includes at least one strain-sensing gage attached to the structure, which generates strain signals in response to applied loads. These signals are transmitted to a processing unit, which analyzes the strain data to calculate and display a weight indication. The processing unit may include analog or digital circuitry to convert raw strain signals into a measurable weight value, compensating for environmental factors or structural variations. The system may also incorporate calibration routines to ensure accuracy. This technology is applicable in industrial, medical, or consumer weighing applications where precise load measurement is required. The strain-sensing gage and processing unit work together to provide real-time weight feedback, improving efficiency and reliability in weight monitoring systems.
6. The shelving arrangement of claim 5, additionally comprising first and second connecting elements passing through the back panel so as to join respective said vertical members to corresponding bracket-stabilization elements disposed on a reverse side of the back panel.
This invention relates to shelving arrangements, specifically addressing the need for improved structural stability and ease of assembly in modular shelving systems. The shelving arrangement includes a back panel with vertical members extending along its edges, and bracket-stabilization elements positioned on the reverse side of the back panel. These elements enhance the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the shelving structure. The arrangement further includes first and second connecting elements that pass through the back panel to securely join the vertical members to the bracket-stabilization elements. This connection ensures that the vertical members are firmly anchored to the back panel, preventing misalignment or wobbling during use. The design simplifies assembly by reducing the number of separate components and providing a more integrated and stable framework. The connecting elements may be screws, bolts, or other fasteners, ensuring a robust connection that distributes weight evenly across the shelving structure. This configuration is particularly useful in commercial or industrial settings where durability and stability are critical. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more efficient and reliable method of securing vertical supports to a back panel, enhancing overall structural integrity.
7. The shelving arrangement of claim 6, wherein the bracket-stabilization element disposed on the opposite side of the back panel is a respective stabilization member of another shelf bracket.
This invention relates to shelving arrangements designed to enhance stability and structural integrity, particularly in modular or adjustable shelving systems. The problem addressed is the tendency of traditional shelving brackets to wobble or become misaligned over time, especially when subjected to uneven weight distribution or frequent adjustments. The solution involves a shelving arrangement where a stabilization element on one side of a back panel interacts with a corresponding stabilization member from another shelf bracket. This interlocking design ensures that adjacent brackets reinforce each other, preventing lateral movement and improving overall stability. The stabilization members are positioned to engage when the brackets are installed, creating a self-locking mechanism that does not require additional fasteners or tools. This approach is particularly useful in commercial or industrial settings where shelving must withstand heavy loads or frequent reconfiguration. The interlocking stabilization members also simplify assembly, as they automatically align and secure the brackets upon installation. The invention is applicable to various shelving materials, including metal, plastic, or composite structures, and can be adapted for different shelf depths and load capacities. By integrating stabilization directly into the bracket design, the system reduces the need for external supports, optimizing space and reducing material costs.
9. The shelving arrangement of claim 8, wherein the group of non-homogeneous products is characterized by a plurality of SKU-identifiers, and the identifying includes identifying a SKU-identifier.
This invention relates to a shelving arrangement for organizing and managing non-homogeneous products in a retail or storage environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and retrieving diverse products with varying stock-keeping unit (SKU) identifiers, which are unique codes assigned to different items. The shelving arrangement includes a storage structure with multiple compartments or slots designed to hold these products. Each compartment is equipped with sensors or scanning devices capable of detecting and identifying the SKU-identifier of the products placed within. The system dynamically tracks the presence and location of each product based on its SKU-identifier, allowing for real-time inventory management. This ensures accurate stock monitoring, reduces manual counting efforts, and improves retrieval efficiency. The arrangement may also include automated or semi-automated mechanisms to assist in product placement and retrieval, further enhancing operational efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in environments where a wide variety of products with distinct SKU-identifiers are stored, such as retail stores, warehouses, or distribution centers.
10. The shelving arrangement of claim 8, wherein the result of the determining by the software module is further used to perform at least one of a retail sales transaction and an inventory adjustment in a computerized inventory system.
This invention relates to a shelving arrangement for retail environments that integrates with computerized inventory systems. The arrangement includes shelves equipped with sensors to detect the presence or absence of items, along with a software module that processes sensor data to determine inventory status. The shelving system is designed to monitor stock levels in real-time, reducing the need for manual inventory checks. The software module analyzes sensor inputs to identify when items are removed or added to the shelves, then uses this data to update inventory records automatically. Additionally, the system can trigger retail sales transactions or inventory adjustments in a computerized inventory system based on the determined stock levels. This automation helps retailers maintain accurate inventory counts, reduce stockouts, and improve operational efficiency by minimizing manual tracking. The shelving arrangement may also include features like weight sensors, RFID readers, or optical sensors to enhance detection accuracy. The integration with existing inventory systems ensures seamless data flow, allowing for real-time updates and improved decision-making for store management.
12. The weighing-assembly unit of claim 11, additionally comprising a shelf installed upon an upward-facing surface of said rigid shelf frame, the shelf disposed to be in at least indirect contact with said respective load cell assemblies of said first and second weighing assemblies.
This invention relates to a weighing-assembly unit designed for precise load measurement, particularly in applications requiring stability and accuracy. The unit addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent and reliable weight measurements in environments where structural integrity and load distribution are critical. The weighing-assembly unit includes a rigid shelf frame that provides structural support and houses multiple load cell assemblies. These load cell assemblies are strategically positioned to ensure even load distribution and accurate weight measurement. The unit further incorporates a shelf installed on the upward-facing surface of the rigid shelf frame. This shelf is positioned to be in at least indirect contact with the respective load cell assemblies of the first and second weighing assemblies, ensuring that any applied load is effectively transferred to the load cells for measurement. The shelf's design allows for flexibility in load placement while maintaining direct or indirect contact with the load cells, which enhances measurement accuracy. The rigid shelf frame ensures that the structural integrity of the unit is preserved, preventing deformation or misalignment that could compromise measurement precision. This configuration is particularly useful in industrial, laboratory, or commercial settings where precise weight determination is essential. The invention improves upon existing weighing systems by integrating a stable support structure with a load-distributing shelf, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the products are characterized by a plurality of SKU-identifiers, and the identifying includes determining an SKU-identifier.
The invention relates to a system for identifying and tracking products within a supply chain or inventory management system. The core problem addressed is the efficient and accurate identification of products, particularly when dealing with large volumes of items that may have similar characteristics but differ in specific attributes such as size, color, or configuration. The method involves analyzing product data to determine unique identifiers, such as Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) codes, which are used to distinguish between different product variations. The system processes product characteristics, such as dimensions, material composition, or other distinguishing features, to assign or verify the correct SKU-identifier for each item. This ensures that products are correctly categorized and tracked throughout the supply chain, reducing errors in inventory management, order fulfillment, and logistics. The method may also involve integrating with existing databases or barcode scanning systems to cross-reference product attributes with predefined SKU identifiers. By automating the identification process, the system improves efficiency, minimizes manual intervention, and enhances accuracy in product tracking. This is particularly useful in retail, manufacturing, and distribution environments where rapid and precise product identification is critical for operational success. The invention ensures that products are consistently labeled and tracked, supporting seamless supply chain operations.
16. The method of claim 14, additionally comprising the step of recording a change in an inventory management system.
A system and method for tracking and managing inventory changes in real-time. The technology addresses inefficiencies in traditional inventory management, where manual updates or delayed data entry lead to discrepancies, stockouts, or overstocking. The invention automates the recording of inventory changes by integrating with existing inventory management systems, ensuring immediate and accurate updates. The method involves detecting an inventory event, such as a product addition, removal, or transfer, and capturing relevant details (e.g., item identifier, quantity, location). These details are then processed and transmitted to an inventory management system, where the change is recorded automatically. This eliminates manual data entry, reduces human error, and provides real-time visibility into stock levels. The system may include sensors, scanners, or other input devices to detect inventory changes, as well as communication interfaces to relay data to the inventory management system. The method ensures data consistency across multiple systems and supports automated reordering or restocking triggers based on updated inventory levels. This improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances supply chain management.
17. The method of claim 14, additionally comprising the step of completing a retail sales transaction, using the result of the determining and of the further determining.
This invention relates to a method for processing retail sales transactions using a mobile device. The method addresses the problem of securely and efficiently completing transactions in a retail environment, particularly where multiple payment or authentication steps are involved. The method involves determining a first set of transaction parameters, such as payment details or user authentication, using a mobile device. A second set of transaction parameters is then further determined, which may include additional security checks, loyalty program information, or other transaction-related data. The results of these determinations are used to complete the retail sales transaction, ensuring that all necessary steps are verified and processed before finalizing the purchase. The method may also involve integrating with existing point-of-sale systems or mobile payment platforms to streamline the transaction process. The invention aims to enhance security, reduce transaction time, and improve the overall retail experience by leveraging mobile device capabilities.
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November 16, 2020
April 2, 2024
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